Partnering with the Minnesota Humanities Center, Osseo Area Schools is proud to present the “Why Treaties Matter” exhibit that features Dakota and Ojibwe people telling their stories of sovereignty, adaptability and sustainability. Students, staff and community members are invited to experience this powerful exhibit at Maple Grove Middle School, from 5:30-8 p.m., on Thursday, Sept. 26. Maple Grove Middle School is located at 7000 Hemlock Ln. N in Maple Grove and the exhibit will take place in the second floor atrium.

Bring your whole family and explore the exhibit at your own pace. Dr. Ricky White, an Ojibwe elder and storyteller, will be hosting a special presentation from 7-7:30 p.m.

This interactive, traveling exhibit is an exact replica of the newest permanent exhibit at the Minnesota State Capitol that acknowledges the Native nations of the State of Minnesota. Learn about contemporary, thriving Dakota and Ojibwe nations in Minnesota.

Maple Grove Middle School students will have the opportunity to view the exhibit in their social studies and English classes Sept. 23-27 and explore the themes of Minnesota history, tribal sovereignty and culture.

A collaboration of the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, the Minnesota Humanities Center and the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian, this project is funded in part with money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund that was created with a vote of the people of Minnesota in 2008 and The Patrick and Aimee Butler Family Foundation.

Photo: The map above shows Native territories in North America in 1766-1767.